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I’ve heard of seen Shiba Inu zoomies before in videos, but they’re truly a sight to behold in person.
Those chaotic laps your Shiba Inu is making around the house are called frenetic random activity periods, or zoomies for short. Zoomies are a way for Shibas to burn off excess energy before going to bed for the night. While crazy they can be contained a bit by getting them to play or chase you.
I had many questions when my Shiba started zipping around every piece of furniture I owned. And I’ve shared everything I’ve been able to learn below.
What Are Zoomies?
Zoomies are sudden bursts of frenetic energy in which an animal starts sprinting randomly and erratically. Zoomies are caused by a buildup of excess energy that your pet rapidly burns off, they’re harmless and natural.
How Long Do Zoomies Last?
Frenetic random activity periods, or zoomies, typically last between 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Most pets get zoomies towards the end of the day, helping them burn any excess energy before going to bed.
Are Zoomies Fun For Dogs?
Zoomies are a fun way for dogs to release any pent-up energy. Those frantic laps are a way for dogs to express their happiness or excitement. And are a great way for them to kick off a random play session with either you or other nearby pets.
What Causes Shiba Inu Zoomies?
Shiba Inus are a high-energy breed that will randomly sprint around, or zoom, to burn off excess energy. Those frantic laps are commonly caused by:
Anxiety – Shibas get anxious and nervous like the rest of us, and zoomies are one way they’re able to shake those excess shakes and jitters off to get back to their regular happy selves.
Boredom – It’s normal for Shibas to zoom around the house here and there, but if you notice it’s every day or multiple times a day, it may be a sign your Shiba Inu needs to play or exercise more.
Celebrate or show excitement – Some Shibas may start zooming around as a way to celebrate when something happens, like getting a new toy or seeing a loved one that hasn’t been around for months.
Warm-up – Just like how you rub your hands together when you’re cold your Shiba will start zooming around the house as a way to warm up if it’s cold outside or they just got dried off.
Are Zooming Shibas Safe?
A zooming Shiba is a happy and healthy Shiba. Zoomies are perfectly safe, normal, and healthy for both cats and dogs. Most pets will have them at night as a way to burn off excess energy. Daily zoomies, or multiple times a day, maybe a sign your Shiba needs more daily exercise.
How Do You Calm Down Zoomies?
Zoomies are short bursts of frantic activity that can be difficult to stop or even calm down directly. Instead of stopping your Shiba’s frantic running many pet owners have had better luck redirecting their attention towards something else, besides running laps.
If you are worried your Shiba Inu may run into or jump on something they aren’t supposed to while zooming around, you get easily get them to chase you somewhere else. Zoomies are typically caused by boredom, over-excitement, or excess energy and a quick round of tag is a great way to help contain your Shiba’s zoomies.
I myself have had a lot of luck either getting Faith, my Shiba Inu, to chase me around my apartment. I’ve also been able to calm her zoomies down by getting her to play tug-or-war instead. But your mileage may vary.
If you notice your Shiba Inu likes to zoom around every day, or even multiple times a day, they may not be getting enough daily exercise. Training, longer walks, hikes, dog parks, play dates, or even a few rounds of catch are great ways to prevent zoomies in the future.
Summary On Shiba Inu Zoomies
Zoomies are a perfectly normal, albeit chaotic, way for Shibas to burn any excess energy they have at the end of the day. Most zoomies, or frenetic random activity periods, typically last between 30 seconds and 2 minutes and can be tricky to stop.
Most of the time you can’t completely stop zoomies once they start, but you can redirect that excitement and energy elsewhere. Like a quick match of tug-of-war or getting your Shiba to chase you to a safer place for them to zip and zoom around.
Most of the time zoomies are perfectly safe and healthy, but if you start noticing a pattern your Shiba may not be getting enough daily exercise. Look into increasing the length of your regular walks, taking more walks, or making room for another play session or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dog Zoomies Different From Cat Zoomies?
Dog zoomies and cat zoomies are nearly identical. They both commonly occur at night and are a way for pets to burn off excess energy. The biggest difference between cat and dog zoomies are they additional triggers. While dogs may zoom around when they’re excited, that isn’t the case for cats.
What Age Do Dog Zoomies Stop?
Zoomies are more common in younger dogs and puppies. Most dogs typically see a decline in zoomies when they hit 6 or 7 years of age, with most outgrowing zoomies completely when they’re 10 to 11 years old.
Do Dogs Grow Out Of Zoomies?
Many dogs will grow out of zoomies when they’re 10 to 11 years old, with a noticeable decline starting when they’re 6 to 7 years old. Zoomies are caused by excess energy and generally happen at night before most pets go to bed. They’re perfectly normal and healthy.
Do Zoomies Mean A Dog Is Happy?
Zoomies are a sign your dog is both happy and healthy. While they may be annoying or even shocking at first, zoomies are normal behavior for both cats and dogs.
Do Zoomies Mean Dogs Are Bored?
Infrequent zoomies are not a sign of doggy boredom, but if you notice your pet frequently has zoomies it may be a sign they aren’t getting enough exercise each day. Boredom, stress, and excitement are common triggers for zoomies. Dogs need both regular mental and physical stimulation daily.
